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33 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids September 2024

Enjoy live performances by groups like Danza Alegría at the Manassas Latino Festival. Photo by Jose A Aviles Photography
Enjoy live performances by groups like Danza Alegría at the Manassas Latino Festival. Photo by Jose A Aviles Photography
8/30/24 - By Jennifer Swope

Back-to-school doesn't mean family fun has to stop! September is packed with fabulous, family-friendly things to do in DC and all month long.

We jump into fall this month, and with the start of September comes harvest fairs, pumpkin festivals, and other fall festivals across our area. 

There are also some fun and unique events throughout the month including Bounce the City at Arundel Mills and Go-Karts at Union Market. And you won't want to miss two new shows—Winnie the Pooh at Imagination Stage and Cirque du Soleil: OVO at Capital One Arena—opening this month.

We have so many more great events listed below for your family in September, but don't forget to check our family activity calendar every day, as we're always adding more events.

More Things To Do in DC This September With Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Cirque du Soleil: OVO will wow the entire family. Production photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil: OVO will wow the entire family. Production photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

Top Things To Do in DC with Kids this September

Dopamine Land: A Multisensory Experience

Washington, DC
Thursdays - Sundays, through September 29, 2024
Dopamine Land is a multisensory experience combining media, technology, and play in one place. Visitors travel through an interactive museum boasting multiple rooms and activities that provide something new and exciting at every corner. READ MORE

Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures at Rhode Island Center

Washington, DC
Daily (except Tuesdays), through September 29, 2024
Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures is an exhibition that offers guests an unprecedented glance into Ancient Egypt. With hundreds of perfectly reconstructed objects, breathtaking decorations, and fascinating explanations, visitors can step right into the wonder of the most famous archaeological discovery site of the 20th century. Ready to travel to the era of the pharaohs? READ MORE

Monet: The Immersive Experience (at Rhode Island Center)

Washington, DC
Daily (except Tuesdays), through September 30, 2024
Embark on an astonishing journey through the incomparable universe of Claude Monet, one of the greatest artistic geniuses of the 19th century. Explore his life, his career, and his secrets like never before with the help of 360-degree digital projections and a unique virtual-reality experience. READ MORE

NSO Labor Day Concert

Washington, DC - Free
Sunday, September 1, 2024
The National Symphony Orchestra returns to the West Lawn of the US Capitol for its annual Labor Day weekend concert. The performance is free to attend, no tickets required. Seating is first-come, first served. READ MORE

Labor Day Car Show (in Fairfax, VA)

Fairfax, VA - Free
Monday, September 2, 2024
The annual Labor Day Car Show in the City of Fairfax showcases more than 300 types of motor vehicles, including street rods, foreign, customs, antiques, trucks, muscle cars, motorcycles, and more. READ MORE

DC State Fair

Washington, DC - Free
Saturday, September 7, 2024
The 14th Annual DC State Fair is back. Showcasing the talents and uniqueness of DC, the fair has contests, a pet parade, exhibitions by local vendors, and more. Be sure to stop by workshops and exhibitions throughout the day. READ MORE

The World and Me: Caring for the Future of our Planet with Company E and Sound Impact (at National Museum of Natural History)

Washington, DC - Free
Saturday, September 7, 2024
The World and Me program celebrates diversity found in nature, movement, and the planet with local dancers from Company | E, musicians from Sound Impact, and educators from the National Museum of Natural History. Watch a performance titled Letters to Earth, explore different hands-on activities with museum specimens, and discover ways to make an impact in taking care of Earth for future generations. READ MORE

Kensington Train Show

Kensington, MD
Saturday & Sunday, September 7 & 8, 2024
Throughout the weekend kids can play the I Spy Train Game. Kids can play as they check out the model trains and receive a medal from the Noyes Children's Library upon completion. READ MORE

Bounce the City (in Hanover, MD)

Hanover, MD
Saturdays & Sundays, September 7 -29, 2024
Bounce, slide, and dance your way through a surreal, candy-colored wonderland featuring the largest ball pit on the planet, a 600-foot-long obstacle course, a huge birthday cake bouncer, a silent disco dome, an inflatable sports arena, and more.  READ MORE

Adams Morgan Day

Washington, DC - Free
Sunday, September 8, 2024
DC's longest-running neighborhood festival is a free, family-friendly celebration with music, art, lawn games, face painting, sports, and other activities for all ages. Food and wares from local businesses are available for purchase. READ MORE

Cirque du Soleil: OVO (at Capital One Arena)

Washington, DC
Daily, September 11-15, 2024
Cirque du Soleil returns to the DC area with its show OVO. OVO is a colorful intrusion into a new day in the life of insects; a non-stop riot of energy and movement. Through show-stopping acrobatics highlighting the unique personalities and abilities of selected insect species, OVO explores the beauty of biodiversity in all its contrasts and vibrancy. READ MORE

Celebrate Petworth

Washington, DC - Free
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Celebrate Petworth is a free neighborhood festival organized by and for the residents of Petworth—celebrating the creativity, diversity, culture, and people of Petworth and its surrounding neighborhoods. This year’s festival marks the tenth anniversary of the community festival and is set to be the largest edition yet. READ MORE

Bowie International Festival (at Allen Pond Park)

Bowie, MD - Free
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Bowie's annual International Festival is a celebration of global culture and diversity with entertainers, artists, crafters, and food from around the world. Kids can pick up a passport and earn stamps at the event by participating in a variety of fun children's activities. At the end of their journey around the world, kids with enough stamps receive a special prize. READ MORE

Falls Church Festival

Falls Church, VA - Free
Saturday, September 14, 2024
This free festival features a beer garden, live music, children's entertainment, and booths from local crafters, businesses, and civic organizations. READ MORE

Virginia Native American Festival (at Riverbend Park)

Great Falls, VA
Saturday, September 14, 2024
This celebration of Virginia tribes includes tribal vendors, traditional crafts, hands-on demonstrations including bow and arrow use, and more. Visitors can also enjoy the Rappahannock Native American Dancers and Drum group. READ MORE

The Because Science Festival

Washington, DC - Free
Saturday & Sunday, September 14 & 15, 2024
Join Because Science DC for an exciting event that celebrates the wonders of science. Guests can immerse themselves in a weekend filled with interactive projects, thrilling experiments, and challenges that meld science and art. READ MORE

Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean at ArtecHouse

Washington, DC
Daily, September 14 - November 3, 2024
Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean highlights the awe-inspiring nightly migration of ocean twilight zone creatures and their intricate connections to the planet’s health. This groundbreaking exhibition offers a 24-minute cinematic journey enveloping the audience in immersive 270-degree projections that span from floor to wall, complemented by six interactive installations and six XR activations. Together, they create a rich exploration of the mysterious underwater world through a fusion of artistic and interactive expressions. READ MORE

Maryland Seafood Festival (at Sandy Point State Park)

Annapolis, MD
Saturday & Sunday, September 14 & 15, 2024
This festival celebrates the bounty of Maryland seafood with oyster tastings, crabs, crab cakes, and more from local restaurants. There are also plenty of activities and performances for kids. READ MORE

Mount Vernon Colonial Market & Fair

Mount Vernon, VA
Saturday & Sunday, September 14 & 15, 2024
Families can step back in time and see 18th-century craft demonstrations, costumed interpreters, and colonial performers. General Washington makes an appearance, too! READ MORE

Story Pirates: The Amazing Adventure Tour (at The Lincoln Theatre)

Washington, DC
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Enjoy a night of interactive songs and improv comedy, inspired by kids. The Story Pirates are an award-winning family media company that brings together top comedians, musicians, designers, bestselling authors, and incredible teachers to amplify the words, ideas, and stories of kids on the world stage.  READ MORE

Go-Karts at Union Market

Washington, DC
Thursday - Sunday, September 19-22
Race the District is here! Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled weekend at Union Market District with a unique go-kart racing experience powered by K1 Speed, the world’s premier go-kart racing operator. The weekend is packed with go-karting excitement for all ages (minimum height of 58”), from seasoned racers to complete beginners. Each 15-minute race accommodates six drivers, making every race a thrilling and enjoyable experience, perfect for creating fun memories with family and friends.  READ MORE

Homecoming at President Lincoln's Cottage

Washington, DC - Free
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Lincoln's Cottage invites families to Homecoming Family Day with pony rides, a petting zoo, crafts, storytelling, and more. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the South Lawn. READ MORE

H Street Festival

Washington, DC - Free
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Eleven blocks long with 14 staging areas, the H Street Festival features tons of music, dance, youth-based performances, interactive children’s programs, and more. READ MORE

Pan African Festival USA (at Civic Center at Veterans Plaza)

Silver Spring, MD - Free
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Celebrate African heritage at the Pan African Festival USA. With the theme “I ♥ African Heritage Unity!", cultures of area residents of African descent are showcased through live performances, arts and crafts, food, and fashion.  READ MORE

NSO Family Concert: Mo @ the NSO (at The Kennedy Center)

Washington, DC
Saturday & Sunday, September 21 & 22, 2024
With the help of the National Symphony Orchestra and all-star guests, New York Times bestselling author/illustrator Mo Willems introduces fun musical ideas, explores big emotions, and invites viewers to listen, play, and create. READ MORE

Winnie the Pooh at Imagination Stage

Bethesda, MD
Saturdays & Sundays, September 21 - October 27
Everyone’s favorite bear from the 100 Acre Wood is surrounded by Christopher Robin, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, and Owl in this delightful and gentle musical. Set during one busy day, there’s a Heffalump to catch, Eeyore’s tail to find, and a misunderstanding between Rabbit and Kanga to sort out. In the end, friendship and understanding win the day. READ MORE

Reston Multicultural Festival (at Reston Town Square Park)

Reston, VA - Free
Saturday, September 21, 2024
The Reston Multicultural Festival celebrates the diverse community of Reston. Enjoy music, entertainment, and cultural treasures from all over the world. Festival goers are encouraged to dress in attire representative of their cultural roots. READ MORE

Art All Night

Washington, DC - Free
Friday & Saturday, September 27 & 28, 2024
Spanning 22 neighborhoods in all eight wards of the city, DC Art All Night features different activations each night. It brings visual and performing arts including painting, photography, sculpture, crafts, fashion, music, literary arts, dance, theater, film, and poetry to indoor and outdoor public and private spaces, including local businesses and restaurants. READ MORE

Galbani Maryland Italian Festival (at Harford County Equestrian Center)

Bel Air, MD
Friday - Sunday, September 27-29, 2024
The Galbani Maryland Italian Festival is the state’s biggest Italian Festival, featuring activities, entertainment, and Italian cuisine for attendees of all ages. The three-day outdoor festival includes attractions such as carnival rides and a midway, two wine/beer/liquor piazzas, cooking and wine demos, and local vendors.  READ MORE

Bug Fest (at Lake Accotink Park)

Springfield, VA
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Join an insect safari, explore live insects and bug science, roll logs to find bugs, play in soil stations, make your own bug, and participate in more bug-themed activities at Bug Fest. READ MORE

Manassas Latino Festival (at Harris Pavilion)

Manassas, VA - Free
Saturday, September 28, 2024
The Manassas Latino Festival is an annual celebration of the cultural heritage and contributions of the Latinx community in Manassas. It features live performances by musicians and dancers, diverse foods from a variety of Latin American countries, and fun games and activities for kids. READ MORE

Fiesta DC

Washington, DC - Free
Saturday & Sunday, September 28 & 29, 2024
Experience a celebration of Latino culture from across Central and South America at Fiesta DC. The festival includes a parade, music, and food from several Latino countries.  READ MORE

Mario the Maker Magician at Hylton Performing Arts Center

Manassas, VA
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Mix magic with robotics, add hilarious slapstick, and voila— it's Mario the Maker Magician! Mario infuses classic magic tricks and illusions with high-tech robotic innovation to create an assortment of homemade contraptions that do his comedic bidding. Infectiously positive and bursting with heart, Mario is on a mission to entertain and inspire future computer programmers, AI specialists, and robotic engineers along the way.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

West Lawn of the United States Capitol
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Falls Church City Hall and Community Center Grounds
Civic Center at Veterans Plaza
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Reston Town Square Park
All 8 Wards
Harford County Equestrian Center